By measuring the Earth's gravity field and modelling the geoid, or hypothetical surface of the Earth, with extremely high accuracy and spatial resolution, GOCE will significantly advance our knowledge of how the Earth works in several domains – oceanography, geophysics and geodesy – as well as providing insight into the physics and dynamics of the Earth's interior, such as volcanism and earthquakes.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

The principle of operation of each ultra-sensitive accelerometer relies on measuring the electric field required to maintain a ‘proof mass’ at the centre of a specially engineered ‘cage’. Servo-controlled electrostatic suspension provides control of the ‘proof mass’ in terms of linear and rotational motion. The difference between accelerations measured by each pair of accelerometers (which are 50 cm apart) is the basis for the gravity gradients.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab